thedrifter
09-24-08, 06:56 AM
Last modified: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 11:20 AM CDT
Marines raise money for military veterans
By Scott Bandle
A mini-version of the United States Marine Corps invaded the Cabela's sporting goods store Saturday and Sunday at St. Louis Mills. It was all for a good cause.
The nonprofit Marine Corps League, St. Louis Detachment 184, hosted a fundraising barbecue in front of the store, selling hot dogs, hamburgers and bratwursts to raise funds to help injured Marines and other military veterans with special needs.
"It all goes back to Marines and other servicemen," said Tom Lamm, 74, chairperson of the fundraising committee. "We're hoping to raise between $3,000 to $3,500. We do this twice a year. This is the second time for us, so that will be it for this year."
The detachment has contacts with local veterans groups to help them decide who will receive the financial aid, Lamm said.
On Sunday, members gathered around the barbecue pit and serving tables, good-naturedly joking about each other. Although members span a range of generations and have served during different wars, all are bonded through their experience and pride of being Marines.
"It's a real brotherhood," Lamm said. "For the barbecue, we had a guy drive over 100 miles to get food and drinks. All of the work is worth it when you see where the money is going to."
The St. Louis Detachment 184 is sanctioned by Congress to operate under the name of the U.S. Marine Corps. The St. Louis group has about 70 members.
"We've got guys who go back to World War II," Lamm said. "I'm a Korean War veteran. All of us can relate to the young guys coming back from Iraq."
The detachment had help with the barbecue's expenses. Paul's Market in Ferguson provided the meat, while Wonder Bread provided the buns.
"The cost of the meat is a big savings right there," Lamm said. "A lot of people helped us."
Among the volunteers who helped with the cash box or fetch drinks was Margaret Landutt, who has a grandson in the Marines.
"He's in the Marines, and that's what got me interested in helping out," she said. "He spent six months in Iraq, but he's back now."
Landutt also works for Sam's Club, which has a special program for employees who volunteer. If employees spend 25 hours volunteering for a nonprofit, Sam's Club will donate $200 to that group.
"I'm glad to do it," she said.
Ellie
Marines raise money for military veterans
By Scott Bandle
A mini-version of the United States Marine Corps invaded the Cabela's sporting goods store Saturday and Sunday at St. Louis Mills. It was all for a good cause.
The nonprofit Marine Corps League, St. Louis Detachment 184, hosted a fundraising barbecue in front of the store, selling hot dogs, hamburgers and bratwursts to raise funds to help injured Marines and other military veterans with special needs.
"It all goes back to Marines and other servicemen," said Tom Lamm, 74, chairperson of the fundraising committee. "We're hoping to raise between $3,000 to $3,500. We do this twice a year. This is the second time for us, so that will be it for this year."
The detachment has contacts with local veterans groups to help them decide who will receive the financial aid, Lamm said.
On Sunday, members gathered around the barbecue pit and serving tables, good-naturedly joking about each other. Although members span a range of generations and have served during different wars, all are bonded through their experience and pride of being Marines.
"It's a real brotherhood," Lamm said. "For the barbecue, we had a guy drive over 100 miles to get food and drinks. All of the work is worth it when you see where the money is going to."
The St. Louis Detachment 184 is sanctioned by Congress to operate under the name of the U.S. Marine Corps. The St. Louis group has about 70 members.
"We've got guys who go back to World War II," Lamm said. "I'm a Korean War veteran. All of us can relate to the young guys coming back from Iraq."
The detachment had help with the barbecue's expenses. Paul's Market in Ferguson provided the meat, while Wonder Bread provided the buns.
"The cost of the meat is a big savings right there," Lamm said. "A lot of people helped us."
Among the volunteers who helped with the cash box or fetch drinks was Margaret Landutt, who has a grandson in the Marines.
"He's in the Marines, and that's what got me interested in helping out," she said. "He spent six months in Iraq, but he's back now."
Landutt also works for Sam's Club, which has a special program for employees who volunteer. If employees spend 25 hours volunteering for a nonprofit, Sam's Club will donate $200 to that group.
"I'm glad to do it," she said.
Ellie